Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Yoshi Tendai Hiraishi takes traditional beer
Upenyu Chaota
19 Feb 2017 – MASVINGO – The Ministry of Tourism and Hospitality Management last week issued certificates to trained personnel who are working at Chesvingo- Karanga Cultural Village which, alongside the Great Zimbabwe monuments, will give tourists more room to experience the Karanga people’s traditional way of life.
The ministry of tourism in partnership with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) trained the personnel in marketing, basic accounting, food preparation and tour guiding.
The cultural village is described as a centre for the preservation of Karanga culture for present and future generations. It was established in 1992 but faced enormous challenges until JICA came on board and supported its resuscitation.
Director of Domestic Tourism in the ministry, Irvin Murombedzi praised Japan for redefining tourism and its support for the Chesvingo – Karanga Cultural Village project.
“Japan has taken tourism to new levels and it doing very well in that regard. That is why we have taken a leaf from them. The tourists who visit this place will be taken care of and will pay for the services and, at the end, the community benefits,” said Murombedzi.
He said the project was motivated by the desire to expose traditional cultural practices to people who yearn for such treats.
“As a ministry, we are saying let’s diversify tourism. People must not just come to visit Great Zimbabwe monuments, Victoria Falls, Kariba and other tourist destinations. They can also go further and appreciate the cultural aspects of our people,” said Murombedzi.
He said the cultural village presented a good opportunity for tourist to experience the best of the culture of local people.
Japanese ambassador to Zimbabwe, Yoshi Tendai Hiraishi, who graced the occasion, expressed awe for the traditional Karanga lifestyle as embodied by the cultural village.
“This is a very memorable day and I am so proud to be associated with this project and its good people,” said Hiraishi who also promised the Japanese government’s support for the upliftment of the people of Zimbabwe.
Chesvingo- Karanga Cultural Village is located on a hill top overlooking Lake Mutirikwi, 40 kilometres from Masvingo city and 10 kilometres from the monuments along the main road.news
